Back to Basics – Complaining

It’s so easy to complain, but why should you stop?

by Pastor Mike White – March 23, 2017

We live in a complaining culture. We complain about delays, when it’s too cold, when it’s too hot, when the wifi is a little slow…we feel entitled. In a digital world that gives immediate gratification, people have high expectations. They’re not always so kind when those expectations are not met.

Some research shows that most people complain once a minute during a typical conversation. Complaining is tempting because it feels good, but so does eating an entire bag of candy, which is not good for you! Some researchers have also found that the more you complain, the more your brain becomes rewired to continue doing so. With practice, makes perfect – it becomes part of your personality and how other people see you.

There is actually a noted physiological tie between complaining and poor health. Complaining is not only bad for your soul, but is also damaging to your health!

Maybe you recognize that you are a complainer? The key to stopping a lifestyle of complaining isn’t just trying to be more positive. It’s recognizing how much you have to be thankful for: if you have a roof over your head, clean water to drink, warm clothes, and daily food; you’re better off than millions of people.

And when you realize that, you have no reason to complain. We need perspective. We have so much here.